Materials Science – Page 3

Effect of nano-TiO2 size and utilization ratio on the performance of photocatalytic concretes; self-cleaning, fresh, and hardened state properties

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Scientists developed a new type of concrete that can clean itself by breaking down pollutants in water using nano-sized titanium dioxide particles and sunlight. The study tested different sizes and amounts of these nanoparticles to find the best combination for removing textile dyes from wastewater. While the larger nanoparticles worked better for photocatalytic cleaning, the smaller ones made the concrete stronger, suggesting a trade-off between cleaning ability and structural durability.

Evaluation of Selected Fire Properties of Recycled Particleboards

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This research examines how different types of wood used to make particleboards affect their ability to resist fire. Scientists tested boards made from fresh wood, decayed wood, and recycled wood materials by exposing them to intense heat. They found that boards made from fresh, minimally processed wood catch fire more slowly and burn more slowly than boards made from recycled materials, though recycled boards are more sustainable.

Gradient porous structures of mycelium: a quantitative structure–mechanical property analysis

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Scientists studied how mushroom root structures (mycelium) naturally develop different properties from bottom to top as they grow. They found that the thicker, older parts near the food source are stiffer and more densely packed with fibers, while the thinner, younger parts are more porous and flexible. This natural gradient could be useful for creating biodegradable materials for medical implants, filters, and other applications where changing properties are beneficial.

Development of Leather-like Materials from Enzymatically Treated Green Kiwi Peel and Valorization of By-Products for Microbial Bioprocesses

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This research shows how kiwi fruit peels, normally discarded as waste, can be transformed into leather-like materials through enzymatic treatment. The study found that treating the peels with commercial enzymes produced flexible, durable films with properties comparable to traditional leather, while the leftover liquid from the treatment process could be used to grow industrially useful yeast cultures. This integrated approach demonstrates how agro-food waste can be completely recycled into valuable products, supporting sustainable manufacturing practices.

Tailoring the Mechanical Properties of Fungal Mycelium Mats with Material Extrusion Additive Manufacturing of PHBH and PLA Biopolymers

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Researchers developed a new way to make fungal mushroom mats stronger by printing biodegradable plastic patterns onto them using 3D printing technology. The resulting composite materials combined the sustainability of fungal products with improved strength, making them suitable for flexible applications like smart textiles and lightweight parts. Both tested polymers (PHBH and PLA) enhanced the mycelium’s mechanical properties, with PLA showing superior strength improvements while PHBH offered home compostability.

Effect of AgNPs on PLA-Based Biocomposites with Polysaccharides: Biodegradability, Antibacterial Activity and Features

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Scientists created new plastic-like materials made from corn-based PLA combined with silver nanoparticles and natural starches or chitosan. These biocomposites break down in soil while also killing harmful bacteria. The materials showed that adding silver particles didn’t prevent fungi from breaking them down in nature, making them suitable for environmentally-friendly products like food packaging that need to both degrade naturally and prevent bacterial growth.

Improving the Physical and Mechanical Properties of Mycelium-Based Green Composites Using Paper Waste

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Researchers created environmentally friendly materials called mycelium-based composites by growing mushroom mycelia on agricultural waste like corn husks mixed with recycled paper waste. When they added 20% paper waste to corn husk composites, the materials became stronger and more durable, making them suitable for packaging and decorative items. This approach cleverly recycles paper waste while creating sustainable alternatives to plastic-based materials.

Quantification of fungal biomass in mycelium composites made from diverse biogenic side streams

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Researchers developed a new method to measure how much fungal growth occurs in mycelium-based composite materials, which are sustainable alternatives to plastic packaging and insulation. By analyzing fungal DNA, they tested 20 different combinations of three mushroom species with various waste materials from agriculture and food production. The results show that the amount of fungal growth needed for stable, usable materials varies significantly depending on which mushroom species is used and what waste material serves as the base.

Precision of Fungal Resistance Test Method for Cereal Husk-Reinforced Composite Construction Profiles Considering Mycelium Removal Techniques

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Scientists tested how well building materials made from plant husks and plastic resist fungal growth. They found that the standard testing method has serious accuracy problems, with results varying by more than 20%. They also discovered that how you clean the samples after fungal exposure significantly affects the test results, suggesting the test method needs better instructions.

Study on the Properties and Design Applications of Polyester–Cotton Matrix Mycelium Composite Materials

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Researchers developed eco-friendly composite materials by growing oyster mushroom mycelium on waste polyester-cotton textile fibers. The optimal blend was 65% polyester and 35% cotton, which balanced strength, water resistance, and ability to break down in soil. These materials could replace foam plastics in packaging and home products while helping solve the problem of textile waste.

Research Topic: Materials Science